In a dazzling display of skill and determination, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, affectionately known as “The Nuke,” clinched the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title in Auckland, adding another chapter to his meteoric rise in the sport. The Warrington-born sensation delivered a commanding performance, defeating world No. 1 Luke Humphries 8-4 in a final that showcased his extraordinary talent, with a staggering three-dart average exceeding 115. This victory, hot on the heels of his Australian Darts Masters win the previous week, solidified Littler’s status as a dominant force in darts and brought his prize money haul from the two World Series events to £60,000. Amid the celebration, Littler took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to his girlfriend, Faith Millar, whose unwavering support proved invaluable during a challenging trip Down Under.
The journey to Auckland was not without its hurdles. Unlike last year, when Littler was accompanied by his family, this time he traveled without his usual support network. His family stayed behind, and his manager, Martin Foulds, was forced to return to the UK early due to illness. Left potentially alone for two weeks, Littler found solace in the presence of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Faith, a beautician from Wigan. “I’m pretty lucky that my girlfriend has come over because, if she didn’t, my manager went home because of an illness, so I would’ve been on my own for two weeks,” Littler shared, highlighting the emotional boost her companionship provided. “It’s been good to have her here to have some support for myself.”
Littler’s performance in the final was nothing short of spectacular. He surged to an early 3-0 lead against Humphries, the defending champion, and extended it to 6-2 with pinpoint precision. Despite Humphries narrowing the gap, Littler sealed the victory with back-to-back 11-dart legs, leaving the Auckland crowd in awe. Reflecting on the win, he told reporters, “It felt very much the same as last week. I had a shaky start in my opening game but, once you come into finals night, you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight.” His confidence was palpable as he added, “I felt unbeatable up there. The crowd was brilliant and the venue was incredible – it felt like a Premier League night – and I’m very happy to lift another title.”
Faith’s presence has become a constant in Littler’s whirlwind career. The couple, who confirmed their relationship earlier this year at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where Littler became the youngest player to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown, have grown inseparable. Their bond, which began as a close friendship, blossomed after Littler’s split from his previous girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, in July 2024. Faith, described as a “down-to-earth, normal girl,” has embraced the spotlight that comes with dating a global sports sensation, cheering him on from the stands and even joining him at promotional events. Their relationship, marked by a public kiss before Littler’s World Matchplay quarter-final, has captured fans’ hearts, though it has also faced scrutiny from online trolls. Littler, unfazed, addressed the negativity, saying, “They’re jealous. They wanna ruin us. But I just said, ‘Just don’t look at it and just focus on what we’ve got.’”
The New Zealand triumph marks Littler’s third consecutive title, following victories in Australia and the World Matchplay, where he pocketed £200,000. With career earnings now surpassing £1.5 million in just 18 months as a professional, Littler is not only rewriting darts history but also chasing the world No. 1 ranking. “I just want to win everything that comes my way,” he declared, eyeing a fourth straight title at the upcoming European Tour in Antwerp. Humphries, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Littler’s brilliance: “I played pretty well today but when you run into a 115 average there’s not much you can do. The better player won for sure.”
As Littler prepares to return to the UK, his focus remains sharp, fueled by a blend of youthful ambition and the grounding presence of Faith. The darts world watches in anticipation, knowing that “The Nuke” is far from finished. With his girlfriend by his side and an unrivaled talent on the oche, Littler’s journey is a thrilling blend of personal and professional triumphs, proving that love and darts can make for an unbeatable combination.
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